Small HSS circular saw blades are usually quoted by outer diameter x thickness x bore x tooth count. Unlike TCT or cermet tipped blades, ordinary HSS blades do not have welded tooth tips, so kerf and plate thickness are normally not written separately.
However, for stable cutting, the supplier still needs to consider two practical details: the HUB near the blade center and the side clearance near the cutting edge. These details are especially important when the blade is very thin.
What HUB Means On A Small HSS Saw Blade
The HUB is the reinforced center area around the bore. It helps the blade sit more firmly under the machine clamp or pressure plate. For many ordinary small HSS saw blades, the HUB is not a universal international standard. It is usually selected by blade outer diameter, blade thickness, machine structure and factory practice.
| Blade Outer Diameter | Common HUB Reference | Factory Note |
|---|---|---|
| Below 100 mm | Normally no HUB | Can be customized if the customer’s machine or sample requires a HUB. |
| 100 / 110 / 125 / 130 mm | 45 mm HUB | Common reference for ordinary small HSS circular saw blades. |
| 150 / 160 mm | 55 mm HUB | Often used when the blade diameter and machine clamp are larger. |
| 180 – 200 mm | 63 mm HUB | Common for larger small-diameter HSS blades that need more center support. |
Why Thin Blades Sometimes Use A Larger Or Thicker HUB
When an HSS blade is very thin, the blade body is easier to deform during clamping, cutting or high-speed rotation. In this case, one practical method is to make the HUB larger or thicker so the center area has better support.
This does not mean every thin blade should use the biggest HUB. The HUB must still fit the machine flange, pressure plate and workpiece clearance. If the HUB is too large or too thick, it may interfere with clamping or cutting depth.
Side Clearance Reference By Blade Thickness
In many Chinese factories, side clearance is discussed using the unit si. One si is about 0.01 mm. The following table is a practical production reference, not a fixed rule for every machine.
| Blade Thickness | Approx. Side Clearance | Practical Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 0.5 mm | About 5 si | Very thin blade, clearance must be controlled carefully. |
| 1.0 mm | About 15 si | Common small HSS blade reference. |
| 2.0 mm | About 20 si | More stable blade body, moderate clearance. |
| 2.5 mm | About 22 – 25 si | Used when the blade needs stronger chip release and body stability. |
| 3.0 – 4.0 mm | About 30 – 40 si | Thicker blades normally allow a larger clearance range. |
Do Not Mix This With GF Saw Blade Standard
GF saw blades also use HSS material, but they have their own application logic and product standard. For this reason, the HUB and clearance references in this article should be understood as ordinary small HSS circular saw blade experience, not as a GF blade rule.
Quotation Checklist
When sending an inquiry for a small HSS circular saw blade, include blade outer diameter, thickness, bore size, tooth count, cutting material, machine model, sample photo and whether the HUB should follow an existing blade. If the blade is very thin, also mention whether stronger center support is needed.
FAQ
Do HSS saw blades below 100 mm normally have a HUB?
Normally no. Ordinary HSS blades below 100 mm are often made without a HUB, but the HUB can be customized if the customer’s sample or machine requires it.
Why can a larger HUB help a very thin HSS blade?
A larger or thicker HUB can increase center support and reduce deformation risk on a very thin blade. The final design still needs to match the machine clamp and pressure plate.
Is side clearance the same for every HSS blade factory?
No. The values above are practical reference ranges. Actual clearance can change with blade thickness, material, cutting condition, machine rigidity and factory grinding method.
Should GF saw blades follow this HUB table?
No. GF saw blades have their own standard and should be discussed separately from ordinary small HSS circular saw blades.